What to Expect and FAQ
Therapy is like going on a road trip- you are going to drive the car and I am going to read the map. Together we are a team that is working to toward the destination of understanding.
During your first couple of appointments we will likely complete some screeners and/or assessments. Some of these might be formal tools (i.e. questionnaires) and other assessments may be more informal where we chat about what your goals for therapy are. Some of the things I will ask you about include your family history, how you cope day to day with stressors in your life, and events that you consider to be significant in impacting your mental health.
There will be some sessions initially that focus on psycho-education. Psycho-education ensures that you will have information about how your brain, body, and emotions are working together to impact your mental wellness. Our brains and bodies are integrated and what happens in one will impact the other.
Disclosure of traumatic experiences will be based on your own timeline and readiness. If you decide that you never want to re-tell a specific story- that is ok. People can heal and have very full lives without ever having to disclose specific events.
In between sessions, you have the choice to do some home integration. This is involves using some of the techniques that we review in therapy at home, and it may include activities such as meditation, journaling, or making a playlist. Trying things at home is meant to be helpful, not stressful. If you find that integration at home is overwhelming, that doesn’t mean that you are failing at therapy, it means that we will work to find the pace and techniques that fit with your lifestyle and how your brain and body work together.
Throughout our time together, we will complete something called “session feedback”. This will take place a regular intervals and it is meant to be your opportunity to let me know what has been working for you and what has not.
There is no timeline for how long therapy will take. The experience of therapy is an individual one and directed by you in consultation with me.
FAQs
1. For what age range do you offer services?
Typically, I see people who are 16 and over.
2. Do I need a diagnosis to see you?
No. A diagnosis is not required.
3. What issues do you address in therapy?
Whether you are living with PTSD, complex-PTSD, have anxiety, depression, or life has has become a struggle with no label, my door is open. If you are uncertain about therapy, reach out for a 15 minute consultation via phone or video.
4. How do I pay you?
I accept credit card, debit, and e-transfers.
5. Do you direct bill?
If you are seeing me via your EAP program or are a member of the military or RCMP direct billing is available. Outside of this however, I am not able to direct bill at this time.
6. Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. Virtual sessions are an option if needed.
7. Are your services covered under insurance?
Yes, they are. I encourage all people to speak with their insurance provider to ensure that the cost of counselling, provided by a certified counsellor is covered. Insurers who do not cover a certified counsellor, may cover the cost of a naturotherapist (n.d.). Along with being a certified counsellor, I am also a certified naturotherapist and this often ensures that services are covered. However, it is the responsibility of the person attending therapy to discuss coverage and reimbursement from their insurance provider.